The LaRue County Farmers Market will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays beginning June 18 through mid-August at 2533 Lincoln Farm Rd. in Hodgenville. Several vendors will be participating and meal options are available. Potential vendors may contact the Extension Office for more information, 270-358-3401. Stock up on local fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, beef, pork, goat and so much more.

Sam Lawson, a founding member of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, announced his retirement from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board after over 15 years of service. Lawson made his decision to not seek reappointment to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board when his term expires in July. Lawson, the representative for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will continue to serve until Governor Beshear appoints someone to take his place.

Pasture growth from mid-June to mid-August typically slows down greatly. As a result, producers should extend the length of time that pasture fields are rested between rotational grazings, and not graze as short to leave more leaf area for cool season grasses (mainly fescue and orchardgrass).

Warm-season grasses (annuals and perennials) and deep-rooted legumes such as alfalfa, lespedeza or red clover, can be very useful during this time to rest cool season grass pastures and also to provide a break from the endophyte of infected tall fescue.

The LaRue County Farmers Market will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays beginning June 18 through mid-August at 2533 Lincoln Farm Rd. in Hodgenville. Several vendors will be participating and meal options are available. Potential vendors may contact the Extension Office for more information, 270-358-3401. Stock up on local fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, beef, pork, goat and so much more.

State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has enacted restrictions on bird sales and movement in Kentucky to protect Kentucky’s poultry industry and bird population from the current avian influenza outbreak.

“We are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Stout said. “Poultry is Kentucky’s leading agricultural commodity, and we will do everything we can to keep our commercial and backyard poultry industries secure.”

essee, and there is a possibility of spread into our area. It has been many years since blue mold has been a threat locally. Tobacco growers should take a proactive approach to the situation, and closely examine tobacco float beds and fields for signs of blue mold. Report any suspected activity to our office.

Ryan Bivens, a soybean, corn and wheat farmer in Hodgenville, has been appointed to a two-year term on the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board, which is the entity charged with investing Kentucky’s soybean checkoff dollars to create opportunities for increased profitability.

Directors on this board serve as stewards of those funds, investing in production research, promoting animal agriculture, discovering and promoting new uses for soy-based products and keeping soybeans as a top-of-mind commodity with consumers.